Olathe Civic Theatre Association to Produce Anne of Green Gables

27 Oct Olathe Civic Theatre Association to Produce Anne of Green Gables

Classic Family Story Runs November 3-19

Olathe, KS (October 27, 2017) – Up next at Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) is the poignant and funny tale of Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. This play, an adaptation by Joseph Robinette of the beloved novel by L.M. Montgomery, will delight audiences of all ages November 3 through November 19.

This timeless story of the plucky Canadian orphan, Anne, depicts how she forges a new life when she is mistakenly sent to a middle-aged brother and sister who want to adopt a boy to help on their farm. Audiences will relive favorite moments from Anne’s feuds with Gilbert, the cake disaster, and her adoration of Matthew. Bringing these moments to the stage is Heather Tinker, who returns to OCTA after acting in last season’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This time, she’ll direct a cast of over 25 local actors including up-and-coming youth actors. Tessa Luechtefeld takes on the role of Anne Shirley while Don Leonard portrays Matthew Cuthbert and Sally Schmucker portrays Marilla Cuthbert.

Rounding out this talented cast are: Sam Schaper (Station Master/Mr. Phillips/Jerry Buote/Rev. Allan/Mr. Sadler/President of Queen’s Academy); Rachel Lynde (Karla Fennick); Jennifer Ward (Mrs. Blewett/Aunt Josephine); Ryan Foster (Rev. Bentley/Moody MacPherson); Maddie Huwe (Prissy Andrews, Josie Understudy); Casandra Clark (Miss Rogerson/Mrs. Allan); Julia Masterson (Diana Barry); Elise Bowles (School Girl/Mary Jo, Diana Understudy); Sarah Marvin, Melayna Murphy, Marra Luechtefeld (School Girls); Misti Robison (Mrs. Barry); Kendal Montgomery (Minnie May Barry); Rachel Montemayor (Josie Pye, Anne Understudy); Alexa Edmonds (Ruby Gillis); Collin Montgomery (Charlie Sloane); Lincoln Holmes (Jimmy Glover); Madelyn Baxter (Tillie Boulter); Addison Landes (Jane Andrews); Elliana Moore (Carrie Sloane); Megan King (Bessie Wright); Dentan Adams (Gilbert Blythe); and Hailey Burgess (Miss Susan Stacy).

When asked about the Anne… narrative, Tinker describes her fondness for a good story: “It was the first community show I was ever a part of as a high schooler. It holds a special place in my heart. It is fitting that it is my first community show to direct! I also felt it was timely with the new series on Netflix and it is a show that hasn’t been produced much in the area.” The stage version contains notable highlights from the story that many audience members remember as part of their childhood. “It is also a challenge to age children and adults approximately six to seven years in the course of a two hour play!” In fact, one of Tinker’s favorite moments is at the end of the play when Anne is faced with a big decision. Anne and Marilla “… show such vulnerability and growth from the beginning of the story.” The cast is excited to bring this heartwarming story to the OCTA stage.

Don’t forget: opening night guests will be treated to a celebration with the cast and crew after the performance November 3! Additionally, a post-show talkback on Friday, November 10 will be led by Lindsey Weishar, an MFA Creative Writing candidate in Poetry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Weishar was recently awarded a grant to study author L.M. Montgomery on Prince Edward Island and will share insights from her work.

Tinker, who is Director of Theatre at MidAmerica Nazarene  University (MNU), brings the following production staff: Emily Martin (Stage Manager); Steve Libick (Set Designer); Alexandra Bonar (Costume Designer); Blake Holden (Costume Crew); Dave Cox (Lights/Sound Designer); Lynsie Petersen (Props); Lindsay Boehmer, Alex Wilkerson (Set Construction); and Quinn North (Dramaturg).

Lastly, OCTA wanted to bring back their Olathe, Helping Olathe initiative that they started during last season’s holiday show. Audiences will have an opportunity to give to the Salvation Army of Olathe. The show will collect laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, and canned goods, however the full list of items accepted can be found at www.olathetheatre.org.  These will be donated to families this season as part of OCTA’s plan to give back: OCTA helping the community of Olathe.

Bring your family and friends to Anne of Green Gables at OCTA this November 3-19. Friday and Saturday night performances are held at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. To purchase tickets, visit www.olathetheatre.org. Subscribers can make reservations by calling the theatre reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by emailing tickets@olathetheatre.org.

ABOUT OLATHE CIVIC THEATRE ASSOCIATION

Olathe Civic Theatre Association is a 501c3 all volunteer organization producing theatre in Olathe since 1974. Performing in the Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse, OCTA produces five high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre productions a year. Through the generosity of volunteers, season ticket holders, and donors, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Social and Digital Media

Receive updates by liking OCTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olathecivictheatre and following OCTA on Instagram and Twitter at @OCTATheatre.

OCTA’s Remaining 2017-2018 Season at a Glance

Anne of Green Gables – November 3-19, 2017 
Adapted by Joseph Robinette from the novel by L.M. Montgomery
Directed by Heather Tinker

Welcome to the children’s classic brought to life on stage for the whole family! Don’t miss the timeless story of plucky Canadian orphan Anne Shirley, who forges a new life when she is mistakenly sent to a middle-aged brother and sister who’d sought to adopt a boy for help on their farm. Relive all your favorite moments from Anne’s feuds with Gilbert, the cake disaster, her adoration of Matthew, and the mistaken wine bottle, just to name a few.

Violet – February 9-25, 2018 
Book and Lyrics by Brian Crawley | Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Julie Ewing | Music Direction by Kevin Bogan

Based on the short story The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts

A scarred young woman embarks on a bus journey from her farm in Spruce Pine, North Carolina to Tulsa, Oklahoma in hopes of being healed by a TV evangelist, but discovers the true meaning of beauty along the way. Set in 1964, this stunning show won both the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award as Best Musical for its touching script and show-stopping anthems ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel.

SPECIAL EVENT – New Works Playwright Competition – March 2 & 3, 2018

Five finalists present 10-minute teasers of their scripts – audiences vote for the winner who will then receive a full-length workshop reading in July!

Superior Donuts – April 6-22, 2018
By Tracy Letts | Directed by Diane Bulan

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of August: Osage County comes this moving comedy-drama set in an Uptown Chicago donut shop. Facing age 60 and all alone, proprietor Arthur has his dreary world turned upside down by the arrival of Franco, an ambitious employee in his early 20s.

Unnecessary Farce – June 1-17, 2018
By Paul Slade Smith | Directed by Bill Pelletier

Two cops, three crooks, eight doors…go! In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant, while in the room next door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on videotape. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room, who’s watching the video, who’s taken the money, and who’s hired a hit man. This fast-paced physical comedy is a comic gem!

 SPECIAL EVENT – New Works Playwright Competition Winner Workshop – July 13 & 14, 2018

The full-length workshop reading featuring the winning play from the March finals!

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Please direct all media inquiries to:  Charlotte Gilman at 913-484-1651 (cell) or asgcroc@aol.com.

For further information or tickets, please visit our Web site at www.olathetheatre.org.

Reservations can be made by calling the reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by writing tickets@olathetheatre.org.